Faith Defined

Hebrews 11: 1, 6, 39-40 

Our faith is strengthened, witnessed and credited as righteousness when we trust God’s faithfulness and His promises, (and especially when we don't understand.) “Abram believed the Lord and it was credited to him as righteousness."  Genesis 15:6 

Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the Hall of Faith.  “And it was by faith” appears 16 times in chapter 11.

Paul is thought to be the author of Hebrews, written 60-62 AD at the time of his second Roman imprisonment in Italy. 

Dual purposes of the book of Hebrews were to establish Christianity as superior to the Law, (Christ' superiority to the Levitical high-priesthood,) and to encourage new Christians in the legacy of faith of their fathers.

“These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them had received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”  Hebrews 11: 39-40

Abel, “the first martyr of the Bible.”

Enoch, “the man who walked with God.”

Noah, “a righteous man.”

Abraham, “the Father of the Jewish nation.”

Sarah, “Mother of the Jewish nation.”

 Isaac, “Father of Esau and Jacob.”

Jacob, “Father of the 12 tribes of Israel.”

Joseph, “Interpreter of Dreams.”

Moses, “Giver of the Law.”

Joshua, “Successful leader, follower of the Law.”

 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see.”  Hebrews 11:1

 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”  Hebrews 11:6

“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” 
 C.S. Lewis